COLLEGE LAUNCHES SAFER CAMPUSES CAMPAIGN
The Kenya Medical Training College on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, officially launched the Safer Campuses Campaign at its headquarters in Nairobi to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.
Speaking during the launch, the Health Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, in a statement delivered by the CEO of the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority, Dr. Jackson Kioko. emphasized the urgency of addressing student safety, mental health, and gender-based violence in institutions of higher learning.
“The need for safe, supportive environments has never been more pressing,” she said, describing the campaign as a proactive initiative that empowers both students and staff to combat violence in all its forms.
PS Muthoni also highlighted the importance of breaking the silence around gender-based violence, noting that many students experience such incidents even before joining college. She called for collective action, stating, “This is not just a launch; it is a movement aimed at ensuring students can learn, grow, and thrive without fear.”
Additionally, the PS mentioned that the Ministry of Health is currently rolling out the Social Health Authority (SHA), which will replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), a significant milestone towards improving healthcare for all.
The Safer Campuses campaign, an initiative of the UNESCO O3 PLUS Project, is a social and behavior change campaign aimed at preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and other forms of violence in higher and tertiary Institutions.
The Board Chairperson, Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot, reiterated the College’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for its 66,000 students across 86 campuses. “Safety and security are essential for the teaching and learning environment of our students,” he said.
He expressed concern over the dangers posed by harassment, substance abuse, and violence, which threaten students’ academic performance and well-being.
Mr. Cheruiyot emphasized the need for resources to prevent such unsafe situations and reassured the audience of the Board’s dedication to developing and overseeing the implementation of safety policies.
“Our goal is to create a conducive space where students can focus on achieving the College’s mission and vision,” he added.
The campaign also featured the commissioning of the Student Wellness Centre and Gender Desk, initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare, mental health support, and gender-based violence response services.
CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch commended the efforts of all involved and reiterated the College’s resolve to combat violence. “We need a strategy, one that involves the entire community,” he said.
“When we unite, we can achieve anything. Let’s touch lives with our acts of kindness and ensure a safe environment for all.”
Also present were KMTC Board Directors Mr. Paul Cheboi, Ms. Eunice Karanja, and Mr. Benson Giuthua, along with representatives from the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Ministry of Education, UNAIDS, UN Women, staff, students, and other key stakeholders.
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